Horse Drawn Toys

Horse-drawn toys, generally made of cast iron, depict the transportation of the time. Ranging from as early as 1880 and extending to the early 1900’s with transitional fire trucks, it was a common site around town to see a delivery truck, street trolley, or fire truck being pulled by a team of horses. Naturally the toy manufacturers capitalized on the chance to shrink down and duplicate such a scene for a child’s imagination to run.

Past Prices Realized

Price Realized ($234,000)

Ives Cutter Sleigh

Considered by many collectors as the most beautiful antique cast iron toy ever created, the Ives Cutter Sleigh with the sole existing driver figure was one of the top lots of the Max Berry I auction in November 2014. Est. $100,000 – $150,000

Price Realized ($16,800)

Shimer Police Patrol Wagon

This rare 1890’s example was originally offered to the public at Bertoia’s 2011 auction of the Donal Markey collection, nearly four years later it proved a good investment for Max Berry when it was sold for nearly 50% more than he had paid. Est. $7,000 – $9,000

Prices Realized ($114,000)

Hubley Revolving Monkey Cage

Indisputably one of the most amusing horse drawn toys in existence, the revolving monkey cage likely was too costly to produce, hence only three examples are known to entertain a few lucky collectors. Est. $75,000 – $95,000

Prices Realized ($48,875)

Pratt Letchworth Four Seat Brake

A scarce example, this c. late 1890’s horse drawn toy was an exceptional example again demonstrating the discriminating eye for condition of Donal Makrey. March 2011. Est. $25,000 – $35,000

Prices Realized ($8,260)

Hubley Santa Sleigh

A striking example of a popular cast iron toy, this Hubley Santa sleigh was an extremely sought after toy in the November 2015 auction. Est. $2,000 – $3,000

Prices Realized ($8,625)

Pratt Letchworth Hook Ladder Truck

A beautiful example of a popular cast iron fire toy, this Pratt and Letchworth hook and ladder truck was a popular piece in the March 2011 auction. Est. $4,000 – $5,000

Price Realized ($8,050)

Wilkens Gig with Driver

Truly a stunning example of a cast iron toy, this Wilkens horse drawn piece was yet another near mint condition toy form the March 2011 Donal Markey auction. Est. $4,000 – $5,000

Prices Realized ($12,650)

Pratt Letchworth Boy Express Wagon

Doubling its estimation, another beautiful Donal Markey Collection piece proved that condition is the most sought after characteristic in antique toy collecting. Est. $6,000 – $7,500

Prices Realized ($16,520)

Hubley Royal Giraffe Cage

Setting a new price standard for the Hubley circus line, this beauty was from the Bob Brady Collection and had both strong condition and extreme rarity to establish a top price. Est. $7,000 – $9,000

Price Realized ($4,600)

Hubley Royal Circus Farmer Van

A popular toy from the Hubley royal circus series, this farmer found his way home for double the estimate in the September 2011 auction. Est. $2,000 – $2,500

Prices Realized ($2,875)

Wilkens Transfer Wagon

Far surpassing most expectations was this scarce Wilkens transfer wagon from the March 2012 auction. Est. $400 – $600

Price Realized ($14,160)

Dent Oversized Hook and Ladder

In cast iron toys, clearly size does matter. This beautiful oversized hook and ladder truck was offered in mint condition and even retained its original packaging paper. Est. $6,000 – $8,000

Prices Realized ($5,605)

Wilkens Fire Chief Wagon

Offered at auction in a condition seldom found, this clean fire chief wagon nearly tripled its high estimate in the May 2014 auction. Est. $1,500 – $2,000

Price Realized ($1,770)

Kenton Cement Mixer

A bright and colorful Kenton toy in very clean condition found its way up and across the podium at our March 2014 auction . Est. $400 – $600